(And yes, those last posts were pre-written and hastily posted from an internet cafe – I wonder how much longer those will exist, and/or how long it will take me to get a smart phone?)

Being away meant I couldn’t go to Rhinebeck this year, but um, I don’t care – though I’m enjoying reading about it.

I’m now suffering through the haze of jet lag (pancakes at 3 a.m. seemed like a good idea at the time…) and clogged ears, the depression of leaving a land I love, and the bureaucratic shitstorm and other items of work I left behind (and which gathered strength instead of my unrealistic hopes of dissipating). So just a bit now, but more later – especially the wooly bits.

First I must take a moment to praise the porchetta panino.

We set an all-time record of eating 4 in one trip (not in one sitting though).

And they are the perfect protein-packed porcine pranzo on the trail (even if they get squashed in the pack).

Days and days spent in the mountains with near-miraculous perfect weather and autumnal shades.

And let us not forget pasta – especially with saffron and generous shavings of truffles.